How My Medical Internship in Kenya Transformed My Training and Career Outlook

Where Are They Now?

Gabby, a U.S. medical student from New York, spent four weeks on a medical internship in Mombasa, Kenya. Now preparing for residency, he credits his overseas experience with shaping his confidence, adaptability, and commitment to global health.

Looking for a premed internship or medical elective abroad? Inquire here.

Why did you decide to study medicine?

I was always drawn to science and service, but medicine combined both in a way that felt meaningful. During undergrad I shadowed physicians and worked as a volunteer EMT, which solidified my interest. The privilege of being with people during some of their hardest moments and offering solutions was something I wanted to dedicate my life to.

Why did you choose an overseas internship?

At my medical school, we were encouraged to pursue electives outside of the U.S. to broaden our clinical and cultural awareness. For me, the appeal was stepping into a system completely different from what I’d known. In the U.S., we have abundant technology, strict protocols, and access to specialists. I wanted to see what medicine looked like when those resources weren’t guaranteed.

Kenya felt like the right choice. It was affordable, well-supported through Go-Elective, and I knew I’d gain exposure to a huge variety of cases not commonly seen back home.

What was your first impression on arrival?

The Go-Elective team met me at the airport, and from the moment I arrived I felt supported. The student house was lively, with people from nursing, dentistry, physiotherapy, and other medical schools across the world. That interprofessional mix made every dinner conversation feel like a mini global health seminar.

The first hospital orientation was eye-opening. Walking through the wards, seeing the volume of patients, and realizing how much ingenuity was required in care delivery, I knew right away this would be a defining experience.

What were the biggest differences you noticed on placement?

The contrast with the U.S. system was stark. For one, patient loads were far heavier. Doctors and interns might see dozens of cases in a single morning clinic. Resources like advanced imaging, lab tests, or even basic supplies weren’t always available.

I also noticed cultural differences in how patients interacted with providers. Family members were often directly involved in care. Helping to feed patients, transport them, or even provide basic nursing support when staff were stretched thin.

Many times, I watched local clinicians manage a severe case with minimal equipment. Improvising with what was available, making quick decisions, and still achieving good outcomes. It was inspiring.

How did this experience change you personally and professionally?

I came back far more confident and adaptable. When you see physicians managing complex emergencies without the support of endless tests or technology, it pushes you to trust your clinical reasoning.

It also made me more empathetic. I saw how social and economic barriers directly impact health outcomes. That perspective stays with me when I treat patients from underserved backgrounds here in the U.S.

And personally, it gave me resilience. I had never traveled to East Africa before, and immersing myself in a new culture,  learning Swahili phrases, navigating the city, and building relationships with colleagues, gave me a sense of independence I didn’t know I had.

What advice would you give to other medical students thinking about an internship abroad?

Do it. You’ll see cases you’ll rarely, if ever, encounter in the U.S., and you’ll learn to think outside the box. At the same time, you’ll develop cultural competence that will serve you throughout your career.

Come prepared to be flexible, reflective, and open-minded. The clinical exposure is invaluable, but so is the chance to connect with patients and staff across cultures.

At Go-Elective, we design medical electives abroad for students who want to step beyond textbooks and simulations. In Kenya and Tanzania, you’ll:

• Gain exposure to conditions like malaria, TB, HIV, and trauma that are rare back home.
• Learn under skilled physicians in surgical theatres, outpatient clinics, and emergency wards.
• Live in a shared student house with peers from around the world, creating an interprofessional community.
• Explore East Africa on weekends. From safaris to coastal getaways.

Learn more about how Go Elective can help you design a medical internship that prepares you for residency and beyond.

Article Details

Categories

Recent Articles , Pre-health, Medical Electives,

Author: Go-Elective Abroad

Date Published: Sep 22, 2025